Work

Steroid‐induced sexual differentiation of the developing brain: multiple pathways, one goal

Year: 2008

Type: review

Abstract: Hormone exposure, including testosterone and its metabolite estradiol, induces a myriad of effects during a critical period of brain development that are necessary for brain sexual differentiation. Nuclear volume, neuronal morphology, and astrocyte complexity are examples of the wide range of effects by which testosterone and estradiol can induce permanent changes in the function of neurons for the purpose of reproduction in adulthood. This review will examine the multitude of mechanisms by which steroid hormones induce these permanent changes in brain structure and function. Elucidating how steroids alter brain development sheds light on how individual variation in neuronal phenotype is established during a critical period.

Source: Journal of Neurochemistry

DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05384.x

Authors: Jaclyn M. Schwarz, Margaret M. McCarthy

Institution: University of Maryland, Baltimore

Language: English

Topic: Sexual Differentiation and Disorders

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke